A big thank you to the growing list of companies which have responded positively to appeals over the past three years and rejected greyhound racing. Thank you to everyone who phoned and emailed the companies and urged them to recognise the cruelty of greyhound racing and do the right thing. Please scroll down for an action alert aimed at the remaining sponsors.
- On 5th July 2019, major greyhound racing sponsor, CONNOLLY'S RED MILLS, announced that it was ending its sponsorship of greyhound racing. The company said it was "horrified by the completely unacceptable acts that were broadcast by RTE" and that "the failure of the regulatory bodies in the sector to address these unacceptable activities has led Connolly's Red Mills to make this decision." "The welfare of greyhounds is of the utmost concern to Connolly's Red Mills," it added. "No one who cares about animals can condone the practices depicted in the broadcast."
- On 5th July 2019, GE HEALTHCARE in Cork confirmed that it had cancelled a planned social outing to a local greyhound track. The "family fun day" whih was to be held at Cork's Curraheen Park stadium, was organised by the Sports and Social Committee at GE Healthcare Cork. Following an appeal from ICABS - in which we highlighted the shocking content of the "RTE Investigates: Greyhounds Running for Their Lives" programme - a company representative confirmed that the planned trip to the track would not now happen.
- On 2nd July 2019, FBD INSURANCE confirmed that is had ended its sponsorship. In a statement posted on Twitter, the company said: "Our only sponsorship of greyhound racing was a small sponsorship arrangement with Kilkenny Greyhound Stadium. Following the recent RTE Investigates programme, FBD has decided not to renew this. We look forward to the implementation of urgently needed animal welfare measures by the government."
- On 2nd July 2019, BARRY'S TEA announced an end to its sponsorship. In a statement issued to ICABS, the company said: "As we were saddened and horrified by the recent revelations of the RTÉ Investigates programme, which raised concerns over the treatment of dogs within the greyhound industry in Ireland, we have decided to withdraw our local sponsorship of the annual race in Curraheen Park, Cork going forward."
- On 2nd July 2019, PERMANENT TSB bank confirmed that it “does not sponsor Irish greyhound racing in any capacity and has no plans to do so in future”. Responding to the association of its brand name with greyhound races, it stated that “historically, the Bank has supported the work of various charities in Ireland by contributing to fundraisers which have taken place in various locations and through various initiatives and this has included greyhound racing events from time to time." “We will reconsider the suitability of using such events and venues in light of current events,” it added.
- On 30th June 2019, BOTANICA INTERNATIONAL announced an immediate end to its greyhound racing sponsorship. A spokesperson said they were "absolutely appalled" at the shocking RTE Investigates programme which exposed horrific cruelty and killing
- On 30th June 2019, TREACY’S HOTEL WATERFORD announced that it had "pulled our sponsorship from all greyhound related events". In an email to ICABS, it stated: "Thank you for your concern on the greyhound scandal...With the new revelations of some unscrupulous trainers that was broadcast on the RTE program, we at Treacy’s Hotel have pulled our sponsorship from all greyhound related events."
- On June 27th, MULLINGAR AGRI STORES - which has sponsored greyhound racing at Mullingar stadium - told an ICABS supporter that, following the sickening RTE Investigates programme, it won't be sponsoring greyhound racing any more. The Westmeath Topic newspaper later reported that "Mullingar Agri Stores will no longer be sponsoring Mullingar Greyhound Stadium, it told one of its customers."
- In June 2018, BOSTON SCIENTIFIC moved to disassociate from greyhound racing after its brand name was attached to greyhound races at Clonmel greyhound track. In a statement, it said: "Boston Scientific does not officially sanction or sponsor any dog racing activities. The events that you mentioned were unofficial activities, and we have advised our employees about appropriate use of the Boston Scientific name in the future"
- In April 2018, HYDE IRISH WHISKEY assured ICABS that it will "never again sponsor a dog race" after it was told about the cruelty of the greyhound industry.
- In March 2018, ELECTRIC IRELAND swiftly scrapped a "50% off admission for a night at the dogs" discount offer after an appeal from ICABS and contact from concerned customers. An Electric Ireland representative stated: "We no longer offer Rewards for the Irish Greyhound Board."
- In December 2017, ALDI IRELAND confirmed to ICABS that its Arklow store did not sponsor a greyhound race in Enniscorthy, despite the Irish Greyhound Board website suggesting that it did. According to the IGB, race 3 at Enniscorthy greyhound track on 15 December was "The Aldi Arklow A6 525"
- In October 2017, UK-based discounts website, VOUCHER CLOUD, responded positively to an ICABS appeal and scrapped an Irish Greyhound Board 2-for-1 offer for greyhound racing.
- In September 2017, the MALDRON HOTEL in Limerick removed greyhound racing leaflets from a display in the hotel. Responding to an ICABS appeal, in which we highlighted cruelty and killing in the greyhound industry, the Maldron Hotel chain replied to say: "We have removed these leaflets from our Maldron Limerick hotel foyer."
- In May 2017, TOYOTA IRELAND ordered the Irish Greyhound Board to remove its brand name from the title of a race held at Clonmel greyhound track. The car company told the IGB that the Toyota brand name was used without its knowledge or consent. The Tipperary track and the Irish Greyhound Board had listed the race as "The Toyota A3 Stake for Bitches", despite the fact that Toyota did not sponsor the race or have anything to do it.
- In November 2016, TOYOTA IRELAND announced that the sponsorship of greyhound racing by one of its authorised dealers in Cork had ended. "We have never sponsored greyhound racing and have no intention of doing so in the future," Toyota Ireland stated in an email to ICABS. "The sponsorship of the event in Cork was done by a local dealer who has assured us that his sponsorship of the event has ended and he will not be involved in the sponsorship of any greyhound racing again in future."
- In November 2016, TESCO IRELAND responded positively to appeals, confirming that it had removed greyhound racing from its Clubcard deals. A Tesco spokesperson tweeted: "I can confirm we have cancelled this offer...we have decided to cease this offer going forward."
ACTION ALERT
URGE REMAINING SPONSORS TO DO THE RIGHT THING AND END ALL SPONSORSHIP
Please get in contact with Glanbia and ask it to permanently end all sponsorship/support of greyhound racing and hare coursing.
Jim Bergin
CEO, Glanbia
Glanbia House,
Kilkenny, Ireland
Telephone: +353 (0)56-777 2200
Email: corporatecomms@glanbia.com, info@gainanimalnutrition.com
Tweet to: @GlanbiaPlc
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GAINpetnutrition/
Urge Boylesports and Ladbrokes to immediately end their sponsorship
BoyleSports
Tel: 1800 22 00 66
Email: care@boylesports.com
Leave a comment on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/boylesports/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/BoyleSports
Ladbrokes
Leave a comment on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ladbrokes/
Twitter @Ladbrokes ?@LadbrokesCare
Appeal to the Kerry Group (the company behind Pure sunflower/soya spread, Dairygold, LowLow, etc) to stop sponsoring greyhound racing.
Phone: (066) 718 2000
Sign and share our petitions
Stop supporting the cruel greyhound industry
https://www.change.org/p/stop-supporting-the-cruel-greyhound-industry
Irish Government: Stop Giving Millions of Euro to Cruel Greyhound Industry
https://www.change.org/p/irish-government-stop-giving-millions-of-euro-to-cruel-greyhound-industry
Last September, ICABS identified 30 Supervalu supermarkets around Ireland which had sponsored greyhound racing over the past decade - https://www.facebook.com/banbloodsports/posts/1857546281027588 We contacted Supervalu Head Office with information about all the dog injuries and deaths in greyhound racing and urged the company to act. We received no response. It's time for Supervalu to take action to stop its local stores from supporting greyhound racing again. See sickening footage from Enniscorthy track of a greyhound suffering a bad fall at the end of a race sponsored by a Supervalu supermarket - https://www.igb.ie/videos/videos/?raceid=ECY_2018_08_23_02 (forward to 30 seconds)
SuperValu Head Office
Musgrave Limited,
Ballycurreen, Airport Road, Cork
Email: supervalu@musgravegroup.com
Comment on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/SuperValuIreland/
Tweet to @SuperValuIRL
ALSO CONTACT THESE COMPANIES WHICH SUPPORT GREYHOUND RACING IN 2019
(Source: Irish Greyhound Board)
https://www.igb.ie/talking-dogs/igb-finalises-classic--feature-events-calendar-for-2019/
Marshes Shopping Centre Dundalk
www.facebook.com/MarshesShoppingCentre/
Tweet to: @MarshesShopping
Telephone: (042) 939 5250
Flaherty Markets Galway
Facebook: www.facebook.com/Flaherty-Markets-230607914545890/
Email: info@flahertymarkets.com
Telephone: (091)756000
Dublin Coach
Facebook: www.facebook.com/DublinCoach/
Tweet to: @DublinCoach1
Email: info@dublincoach.ie
Telephone: (01) 465 9972
QuickPark.ie (car park at Dublin Airport)
Facebook: www.facebook.com/quickparkDublinAirport/
Email: info@quickpark.ie
Telephone: (01) 8621977
Kasko dog food
Email: information@kasko.ie
Telephone: (062) 61240
Thurles Fresh Milk
Facebook: www.facebook.com/thurlesfreshmilk1/
Telephone: 0504 22657 / HQ: 0504 91900
Speedrite dog food
Facebook: www.facebook.com/NuttsAboutPets/
Email: sales@nuttsaboutpets.ie
Telephone: (057) 915 3572
Casey's Caravan and Camping
Telephone: (058) 41919
Lee Strand
www.facebook.com/leestrandmilk/
Tweet to: @LeeStrandMilk
Email: info@leestrand.ie
Telephone: (066) 712 1084
Kerry Group
Telephone: (066) 718 2000
Best Car Parks
Tweet to: @bestcarparks
Email: info@bestcarparks.ie
Telephone: (01) 878 2074
Comerford Cakes (Comerford Brothers Ltd.)
Telephone: (045) 431 203
MORE CONTACT DETAILS FOR SPONSORS
(Thanks to Greyhound Awareness Cork)
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1RcaLYDWxuVAjLnF1N4q-twxK5jfixk7NZ_BTA_AvIow/edit?fbclid=IwAR3R9Yg_U_EVNBjFPHmUc9crRblncNDfflrUD21ZIXSo4TvzaQdyGtSa4MI#gid=0
URGE THE ROSE OF TRALEE TO DISASSOCIATE FROM GREYHOUND RACING
Contact the Rose of Tralee festival committee and urge them to show compassion and permanently disassociate from cruel greyhound racing - no more acceptance of sponsorship from a greyhound track and no Rose events at tracks.
Tel: +353 (0)66 712 1322
Email: info@roseoftralee.ie
Comment on Facebook
http://www.facebook.com/roseoftraleefestival
Tweet to @RoseofTralee_
STOP THE STATE FUNDING FOR GREYHOUND RACING
Demand an immediate end to all state funding to the cruel greyhound industry, in which 6,000 dogs are killed every year because they're not fast enough to win.
Since 2001, the Irish Government has paid out around a quarter of a billion euros of taxpayers' money to greyhound racing, including €16.8 million for 2019. Following the shocking RTE Investigates revelations about cruelty and killing, it is time for these grants to be finally ended. Not a single cent more of public funds should end up in this shameful industry.
Sign our petition and contact all TDs now
https://www.change.org/p/irish-government-stop-giving-millions-of-euro-to-cruel-greyhound-industry
Email “I support an end to all state funding to the cruel greyhound industry” to all Fine Gael TDs
maria.bailey@oireachtas.ie; sean.barrett@oireachtas.ie; pat.breen@oireachtas.ie; colm.brophy@oireachtas.ie; richard.bruton@oireachtas.ie; peter.burke@oireachtas.ie; catherine.byrne@oireachtas.ie; Ciaran.Cannon@oireachtas.ie; joe.carey@oireachtas.ie; corcorankennedy@eircom.net; Simon.Coveney@oireachtas.ie; michael.creed@oireachtas.ie; michael.darcy@oireachtas.ie; Jim.Daly@oireachtas.ie; john.deasy@oireachtas.ie; Pat.Deering@oireachtas.ie; Regina.Doherty@oireachtas.ie; Paschal.Donohoe@oireachtas.ie; andrew.doyle@oireachtas.ie; bernard.durkan@oireachtas.ie; damien.english@oireachtas.ie; Alan.Farrell@oireachtas.ie; frances.fitzgerald@oir.ie; peterm.fitzpatrick@oireachtas.ie; charles.flanagan@oireachtas.ie; Brendan.Griffin@oireachtas.ie; Simon.Harris@oireachtas.ie; Martin.Heydon@oireachtas.ie; Heather.Humphreys@oireachtas.ie; paul.kehoe@oireachtas.ie; enda.kenny@oireachtas.ie; Sean.Kyne@oireachtas.ie; josepha.madigan@oireachtas.ie; helen.mcentee@oireachtas.ie; joe.mchugh@oireachtas.ie; Tony.McLoughlin@oireachtas.ie; Mary.MitchellOConnor@oireachtas.ie; Dara.Murphy@oireachtas.ie; Eoghan.Murphy@oireachtas.ie; hildegarde.naughton@oireachtas.ie; tom.neville@limerick.ie; michael.noonan@oireachtas.ie; kate.oconnell@oireachtas.ie; Patrick.O'Donovan@oireachtas.ie; fergus.odowd@oireachtas.ie; JohnPaul.Phelan@oireachtas.ie; michael.ring@oireachtas.ie; noel@noelrock.ie; david.stanton@oir.ie; leo.varadkar@oireachtas.ie
Email “I support an end to all state funding to the cruel greyhound industry” to all Fianna Fáil TDs
billykelleher@eircom.net;sean.haughey@oireachtas.ie;Bobby.Aylward@oireachtas.ie;brendan.smith@oireachtas.ie;johncurranff@gmail.com;Charlie.McConalogue@oireachtas.ie;michael.mcgrath@oireachtas.ie;sean.ofearghail@oireachtas.ie;john.brassil@oireachtas.ie;darragh.obrien@oireachtas.ie;eamon.ocuiv@oireachtas.ie;jackie.cahill@oireachtas.ie;john.mcguinness@oireachtas.ie;mattie.mcgrath@oireachtas.ie;micheal.martin@oireachtas.ie;michael.moynihan.td@oireachtas.ie;niall.collins@oireachtas.ie;coper@eircom.net;Robert.Troy@oireachtas.ie;thomas.byrne@oireachtas.ie;timmy.dooley@oireachtas.ie;barry.cowen@oireachtas.ie;fiona@fiona.ie;declan.breathnach@oireachtas.ie;mary.butler@oireachtas.ie;kevin.okeeffe@oireachtas.ie;dara.calleary@oireachtas.ie;escanlonmcc@eircom.net;sean.fleming@oireachtas.ie;niamh.smyth@oireachtas.ie;james@jameslawless.ie;shane.cassells@oireachtas.ie;willie.odea@oireachtas.ie;margaret.murphyomahony@oireachtas.ie;anne.rabbitte@oireachtas.ie;eugene.murphy@oireachtas.ie;jack.chambers@outlook.com;james.browne@oireachtas.ie;john.lahart@oireachtas.ie;lisa.chambers@oireachtas.ie;marc.macsharry@oireachtas.ie;jim.ocallaghan@oireachtas.ie;pat.casey@oireachtas.ie;aindrias.moynihan@oireachtas.ie;frankorourke1@gmail.com
Visit the Oireachtas website for more telephone numbers and other contact details for TDs
https://www.oireachtas.ie/en/members/tds/?term=/ie/oireachtas/house/dail/32
Watch the full "RTE Investigates Greyhounds Running for Their Lives" programme on the RTE Player
https://www.rte.ie/player/movie/rt%C3%A9-investigates-greyhounds-running-for-their-lives/104051751967
or on Youtube
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZYTb2qBjlMM